Burnham says he is finalising cabinet ahead of becoming PM on Monday

As Andy Burnham prepares to assume the office of Prime Minister on Monday, he faces mounting pressure to define the legislative agenda that will shape his administration. Following his transition from the Mayor of Greater Manchester to the leadership of the Labour Party, Burnham is currently finalising his cabinet appointments, a process he intends to conclude ahead of his reception with King Charles III.

The incoming Prime Minister has faced calls to outline his "plan" for the country, with critics such as Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake suggesting he should recall Parliament—currently in recess until September—to provide clarity to members. In response to inquiries regarding his top team, Burnham defended the delay, stating, It would be somewhat premature and would, I think, cause complete chaos if you start half a reshuffle before you're in the position. He has indicated that his appointments will aim to reflect all parts of the party and the nation.

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A central pillar of the incoming government’s NHS coverage and broader policy platform is the reform of the social care sector. Burnham has described social care as a long-neglected system and a personal priority, noting that his own experience with his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis has underscored the system's failings. While he has previously advocated for a National Care Service, he warned that he will need to expend significant political capital to deliver change, noting that the sector remains a point of criticism against the tendency of Westminster to avoid difficult, long-term decisions.

The healthcare landscape he inherits remains subject to intense debate. Government figures have touted a reduction in NHS waiting lists as evidence of success, with officials pointing to a decrease of over 400,000 patients and improvements in A&E and ambulance response times. However, critics challenge the characterisation of these figures as a straightforward political victory. Research published by The Guardian suggests that some of these reductions have been achieved through payments to providers to remove patients from lists, even while those individuals may remain in need of care. Furthermore, data indicates that a notable portion of the public has turned to the private sector for treatment in the past year.

Specific institutions continue to face operational crises that complicate the incoming administration's goals. Rushanara Ali, Member of Parliament for Bethnal Green and Stepney, recently highlighted the precarious status of the Mildmay Hospital. Despite its historical significance as a pioneer in HIV and AIDS care, the charity-run hospital is currently at risk of closure due to complications with NHS commissioning. Although the facility relies on public contracts for the vast majority of its income, it remains underused, a situation Ali attributes to bureaucratic hurdles rather than a lack of patient demand. The hospital provides specialized rehabilitation and addiction services, and proponents argue that it serves as an essential component of public health that requires consistent support.

As Burnham prepares to take the helm, his governing philosophy is expected to emphasize regional devolution and a departure from what he terms the "neoliberal" policies of the past four decades. He has pledged to move away from point-scoring in favor of problem-solving, though opposition leaders have already begun to draw lines in the sand. Nigel Farage has questioned the mandate of the new leadership, while Sir Ed Davey has expressed a willingness to engage in collaborative politics, specifically citing a desire for reforms to the water industry and increased support for family carers.

What to watch next

• Monday: Formal cabinet appointments are expected to be announced following the Prime Minister’s reception with the King.
• Parliamentary Scrutiny: The debate over whether the Prime Minister will be required to return to Parliament early to address ongoing concerns regarding his legislative agenda.

While the incoming administration has promised to reindustrialise the country and deliver the most significant changes in decades, specific policy details remain limited. The transition follows the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer, who stepped down after concluding he was not the appropriate figure to lead the party into the next general election. Supporters hope that Burnham's arrival will reverse the party's fortunes following a period where Labour trailed Reform UK in polling for approximately 18 months.